The wizarding world is waiting for you in the UK.
The Harry Potter book series captured our imaginations, then seeing these magical places on the big screen left us feeling like we drank a goblet of amortentia.
Bringing Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, and the Ministry of Magic to life involved CGI and custom set pieces, but not all of the wizarding world was made from scratch. The filmmakers used real locations in England and Scotland to capture the magic of the books.
You don’t need a vial of Felix Felicis to see them either; just grab your passport and visit the coolest Harry Potter filming locations around the UK by train.
Image Credit: Getty Images, AveryPhotography. Image Location: Kings Cross Station, London, England.
Harry Potter filming locations in London
Platform 9 ¾
Nearest Station: King’s Cross Station
Before you even get sorted into a house (or get to your hotel) take a detour to Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station. The line is worth the wait for a professional photo at the entrance to the Hogwarts Express, plus there’s a gift shop.
The Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Nearest Station: Garson West Midland Trains station
Just outside London, you can take a train to the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Watford and see the sets used in the films, including the Great Hall, Forbidden Forest, Gringotts Wizarding Bank, and Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Marco Bottigelli. Image Location: Ledenhall Market, London.
Diagon Alley (Leadenhall Market)
Nearest Station: Monument Station
While it may not have an Olivander’s, Borgin and Burkes, or Flourish & Blotts, the stand-in used for Diagon Alley is an actual shopping area. Leadenhall Market is worth a look for any Potterhead; a closer look, in fact, at the optician shop Bull’s Head Passage which was the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron.
Ministry of Magic Exterior (Great Scotland Yard/Whitehall)
Nearest Station: Charing Cross
We don’t need a shot of veritaserum to tell you the truth: exterior shots are often less magical in-person than they are on film. Still, you should wander in this direction to see the facades then walk up to the Harry Potter statue in Leicester Square.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Julian Elliot Photography. Image Location: Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester, England.
Harry Potter filming locations in England
Gryffindor House (Gloucester Cathedral)
London to Gloucester: ~ 2 hours
An absolute beauty made by man, not magic, over a millennia ago, Gloucester Cathedral lent itself to Harry and his peers as Gryffindor’s interior.
Hogwarts Interiors (Oxford University)
London to Oxford: ~ 1 hour
Oxford University already has such a real-world reputation for exceptional education, so it’s no surprise that it doubled as Hogwarts for multiple set pieces including the infirmary and the library. You’ll also notice that the Great Hall of Christ Church College looks awfully familiar.
Broomstick Lessons (Alnwick Castle)
London to Alnmouth: ~ 4 hours
Waltz along the grounds of Alnwick Castle and you’ll see where Harry first learned to ride a broom. You might even see visitors doing the same, as the castle hosts fun broomstick training lessons.
Image Credit: Getty Images, ajansen. Image Location: Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, England.
Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland
Hagrid’s Hut (Glencoe)
London to Bridge of Orchy: ~ 9 hours
Sadly, you won’t find Hagrid or Fang hanging around the area where Hagrid’s Hut supposedly stood. Instead, this lovely greenspace accessible by foot is a wonderful place to sit, stare, and envision Buckbeak flying free.
The Hogwarts Express (The Jacobite Train)
London to Fort William: ~ 10 hours
Perhaps more magical than all of the above combined, taking a ride on the Hogwarts Express is a dream come true for fans. The Jacobite Train is as real as can be and embark on your own journey across the Glenfinnan Viaduct twice a day.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Arijeet Bannerjee. Image Location: Lock Eilt, Eilean na Moine Island, Scotland.
Dumbledore’s Grave (Eilean na Moine)
London to Duncraig: ~ 14 hours
Best bring Hermione’s magical purse with you to pack as much somber reflection with you as possible. Dumbledor’s fictitious grave sits on Eilean na Moine island, floating in Loch Eilt off the coast of Plockton.
Consider This Your Hogwarts Letter
We might not sell tickets to the Hogwarts Express, but we’ve still got trains that are quite magical.
Besides apparition, the Heathrow Express is the fastest way to get from Heathrow Airport to central London. Many trains do have food trolleys (or at least a dining car) but will also allow you to bring your own chocolate frogs and butterbeer.
And whether you’re hitting the books like Hermoine or trying to catch a few z’s after a full moon like Professor Lupin, many first-class tickets offer access to a quiet coach.
Trainline invites you to pack your trunk, grab your cloak, and visit the real filming locations for our favorite wizarding world. Download the Trainline app today and purchase e-tickets to your favorite Harry Potter filming locations throughout the UK.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, FedevPhoto. Image Location: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glenfinnan, Inverness, Scotland.